𝔅𝔬𝔫𝔡: ℌ𝔢𝔞𝔩𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔚𝔬𝔲𝔫𝔡𝔰

Chapter Five: Potenial

Vale

Usually I would be working out at this hour off night, but no. That information just dwelled in my mind. Next in line? I’m really next in line for this. I sat up moving my hair out my eyes. “Monarch of Arroviel..” I mumbled, I’d really pinch myself to see if this all was just a dream, but it wouldn’t change anything.

I sighed sitting up at the edge of the bed. With my fingers folded into each other I stared past them at the ground beneath. I can’t even refuse, I’m the last of my family’s kin right now. This is just too much. I combed my fingers through my hair in frustration.

He told me not to doubt myself. Never to doubt myself, or sense of judgement when faced with this type of occurrence. And well he’s the one throwing it in my face this time around. I got up and left my room and roamed downstairs. I searched the kitchen cabinets for something. I don’t know, I just needed to take my mind off everything.

I just kept looking. I don't know what for, I’ve walked all around my home. Nothing in my hands, thoughts still cluttered and well now… I’m exhausted. I flopped on the couch and my eyelids slammed shut. I couldn’t keep them open anymore, my thoughts became incoherent and my body felt lighter in this position.

“Vale..”

“Vale….”

“Vale……”

I felt someone shaking me. I groaned, and slowly opened my eyes. The face of my mother came into view. “Oh, morning mother.” I yawned, moving to stretch. She had a worried look in her eyes. “Why were you sleeping on the couch? I’m sure it wasn’t that late when you left.” I sighed remembering what I was up to. What was on my mind the whole night until I was finally able to sleep.

“What’s wrong sweetheart. You looked a bit off for dinner as well.” “I’m pretty sure uncle Sam told you already. That he’s stepping down soon.” I replied. “Oh, oh, Vale I’m sorry I didn’t warn you. This is really taking a toll on you isn’t it?” I didn’t reply, I’m just lost for words. It isn’t like I could change this for myself there’s no one else. No one else but me.

“I-...I just need time mom. To process this all. I understand it’s my responsibility, but I just need time.” I muttered. Her soft hands rubbed my shoulders, and planted a kiss on my cheek. “You’ll make a great Monarch, don’t doubt yourself.” She got up and wandered into my kitchen. “Mom, you don’t have to. We’ll just go out to eat.” I walked after her. She raised an eyebrow before closing the fridge door. “Alright I’ll wait for you.”

Amber

There are some moments in life that the brian stops and captures it. Those memories that become lost and then come back from an object or word. For my case it's the little things I seem to remember again. I sighed as my forehead hit the cold shower wall. I know these things take time to forget. But how could I forget about them? My past.

‘One can’t move on if they dwell on the past. The past is called the past for a reason, Amber.’ Tora said to me.

“You're right. But it's hard to let go.” I mumbled cutting the water. I got out and started getting dressed for this…interview? I guess. Tora continued talking to me as I reflected more on my past.

She encouraged me to try to move on from it all. She’ll coach me every step of the way. I pulled my plain t-shirt over my head and looked around for my shoes. Just as I found them, a knock echoed through the room.

I pulled on my shoe and hopped to the door confused. I wasn’t expecting any visitors. Am I? I turned the knob and opened it, coming face to chest. I looked up, meeting the same man from yesterday. I think his name was Markus. He smiled, giving me a cheery ‘morning’.